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Heart, Valve, and Vascular Care

With the latest technology and the expertise of many renowned physicians specializing in cardiology, cardiovascular surgery and interventional cardiology, the Western Connecticut Health Network provides outstanding care to our surrounding communities. Services include prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment of all forms of heart and vascular disease.
Norwalk Hospital’s Phyllis and David Komansky Cardiac and Vascular Center Cardiovascular Services program is committed to prevention and treatment of any and all problems related to your heart and vascular system. We’re proud of the unique blend of compassionate, collaborative medical care and advanced procedures we bring to treating heart disease.

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Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) at Danbury Hospital

Through our network partner at Danbury Hospital, Norwalk Hospital patients can now access this innovative procedure. Danbury Hospital’s Praxair Regional Heart and Vascular Center has performed this procedure since 2013 and is one of only five hospitals in Connecticut able to offer this advanced form of heart valve replacement.

What is Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)?

TAVR is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that offers hope for people with advanced aortic stenosis who are not strong enough to undergo open heart surgery.

TAVR replaces the narrowed aortic valve with a synthetic valve. The new heart valve is inserted into the body through a small incision in the upper leg or in the chest and sent via catheter to the site of the damaged valve. The synthetic valve device is made from cow tissue and polyester supported by a steel frame. The Danbury Hospital heart valve team uses both the Edwards SAPIEN valve and the Medtronic CoreValve, selecting the device that’s best for each patient during the pre-procedure planning process.

The TAVR procedure is performed under general anesthesia or, in some cases, local anesthesia with conscious sedation, but does not require open heart surgery or the use of a heart-lung machine. Patients typically recover within a few days, most reporting an immediate improvement.